Evora was a highlight on our trip through Alentejo. On this research trip for our travel blog The Alentejo Tourism Board invited us. We only had one evening and half a day to explore the city. But that was enough to get an impression of its charm. In our Evora Guide we show you what you shouldn't miss there.
After our arrival, we strolled through the old town. After just a few steps, you notice how much history there is in Evora. The Roman ruins, the medieval cathedral and the whitewashed houses tell their own stories. We were also particularly impressed by the Roman temple.
Afterwards we went straight to one of the rustic restaurants in the old town. There we tried specialties from the region. The dishes from the Alentejo are hearty and simple, but full of flavour. The “Wake up“, a bread stew, remained in our memory.
Our last stop was the Chapel of Bones. It was definitely the most unusual place we visited. The walls are covered in human bones. It is a thought-provoking place and made us fall silent for a while.
Evora is a city that you can see in a short time, but we recommend taking more time to enjoy the atmosphere. As you walk through the streets you can feel the centuries that have passed by these walls.
An Evora guide to visit the UNESCO World Heritage city in Portugal
Evora is a city in Alentejo, which you should not miss on your trip to Portugal. Why? Because Evora offers a unique blend of history, culture and charm. You can find out more about it in our Evora Guide. To do this, click on the articles that we link here.
Évora was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. The Temple of Diana is one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Portugal. In the Middle Ages, Évora flourished as a center of education and religion. The University of Évora, founded in 1559, was an important center of knowledge.
“Évora represents the rich cultural past of Portugal. The Roman and Moorish architecture shows the long history of the city,” says João Carvalho, historian at the University of Evora.
Évora is famous for its whitewashed houses with Moorish influences and the Manueline architectural style that was popular in the 16th century. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
But Evora is not just history. It is also a city full of life. Here you will find bustling markets, charming cafes and restaurants serving the best of Portuguese cuisine. A perfect travel destination for connoisseurs and slow travellers. Browse our Evora Guide and learn more about the city.
Our Evora Guide
Evora Portugal Sights you shouldn't miss
The best hotels in Evora Portugal: luxury, budget and everything in between
Evora - UNESCO World Heritage in the Alentejo
Useful information in our Evora Guide
The climate in Evora
Evora is located in Portugal and has a Mediterranean climate. This means that summers are hot and winters are mild.
In summer, from June to August, the average temperatures are around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, there can also be days when temperatures rise to over 35 degrees. So be sure to pack your sunscreen!
The winters in Evora, on the other hand, are mild with average temperatures of around 10 to 15 degrees. However, it can also get colder, so pack a warm sweater as well. We visited Evora in January and experienced pleasant temperatures of around 10 degrees, while in Germany it was frosty minus degrees.
The climate in Evora is therefore ideal for a trip at any time of the year.
The population of Evora
About 56.000 people live in Evora. Evora's population is a colorful mix of old and young. It is a city inhabited by people of all ages. From students studying at the University of Evora to long time residents whose families have lived in Evora for generations.
The people of Evora are also known for their hospitality and friendliness. They are proud of their city and its history and are happy to share it with visitors. So don't hesitate to ask someone for directions or a recommendation for a good restaurant. A tip from our Evora Guide: this is a good way to get into conversation with local people.
Evora's population is also culturally diverse. It is a city inhabited by people from different cultures. This diversity contributes to the city's rich culture and history.
Evora Sights
Evora is full of history. Walk through the narrow streets and discover what makes this city special. The Roman temple is a must-see. It reminds you how old the city really is. Right next to it is the Cathedral of Evora. The climb up the tower is definitely worth it. The view over the rooftops gives you a feeling for the vastness of the Alentejo.
Right next to it you will find the Museu de Evora. Here you can relive the history of the city. Ancient artifacts and religious art tell stories from times long past. In contrast to this is the Chapel of Bones, which is located a little way off. The walls are covered with bones. A strange but fascinating place that makes you think.
Don't forget to stroll through the alleys. You will discover small squares, hidden courtyards and traditional shops. Time seems to pass more slowly here. Take a moment and enjoy a coffee in one of the squares. This is the best way to feel the charm of the city.
Finally, it is worth visiting the University of Evora. It is one of the oldest in Portugal. The inner courtyard invites you to take a short break. The peace and quiet that reigns here is impressive. Evora is a city that should be explored at your leisure. Step by step you will discover its history and charm.
Evora Guide to Souvenirs
An Evora Guide includes tips for souvenirs. The city offers a variety of shopping opportunities. Start your tour at Rua 5 de Outubro. Here you will find a range of boutiques and shops offering everything from fashion to handmade souvenirs. Another highlight is the monastery bakery "Pão de Rala", known for its sweets and traditional pastries.
If you are looking for local products, don't miss the Mercado Municipal. Here you will find fresh produce, local specialties and handmade goods. It is the perfect place to take a piece of Evora home with you.
For book lovers, the Fonte de Letras bookstore is a must. It offers a wide selection of books and is also a cozy place to browse and relax. You can find out more details via the links in our Evora Guide.
Our Evora tips
Here are a few tips for your visit to Evora to help you explore the city in a relaxed manner.
- Start early
Evora is quieter in the morning. You can see the sights without large crowds. The Roman temple in particular is almost empty at this time. - Visit the cathedral
The cathedral not only offers interior architecture, but also a great view from the roof. The climb is definitely worth it. - Take water with you
Evora can get hot, especially in summer, so always bring plenty of water with you, especially if you're doing a lot of walking. - Try local dishes
In the small restaurants you will find regional cuisine that you should try. A particularly popular dish is “Açorda”, a traditional bread stew. - Visit the Museum of Evora
The museum gives a good overview of the history of the city, so if you want to know more about the Roman period, this is the place for you. - Don’t miss the Bone Chapel
A visit to the Bone Chapel is unusual but impressive. It is thought-provoking and one of the highlights of the city. - Take a lunch break in a square
The squares of Evora invite you to linger. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere with a coffee. - Make time for university
The university has a beautiful courtyard. A short break there gives you the opportunity to take in the history of the city in peace.
This will make your stay in Evora relaxed and varied.
Conclusion on our Evora Guide
Use our Evora guide to find out what the city has to offer. From its fascinating history to its vibrant culture to its delicious culinary delights, Evora is a city that will surprise you. Also, click on our posts to learn more about the sights and details about Evora.
Further information
UNESCO World Heritage status of Evora:
- Official UNESCO documents on the cultural and historical values of Evora can be found here..
World history and sights of Evora:
- An in-depth article on Evora's Roman Temple, Cathedral and Bone Chapel provides detailed historical background, including origins and restorations, showing the influence of the Romans and later eras on the city. World History Encyclopedia.
The development of Evora from the Renaissance to the modern era:
- A detailed look at the city’s development, religious and cultural influences and UNESCO World Heritage status can be found on The CollectorThis source also provides deep insights into the historical significance of buildings such as the Palácio D. Manuel and the Praça do Giraldo. The Collector.
Questions and answers in our Evora Guide
How much time should you plan for Evora?
One or two days are enough to discover the most important sights in Evora. Half a day for the old town and an evening for a regional meal will give you a good impression. If you want to delve deeper into history, two days are ideal.
Is it easy to explore Evora on foot?
Yes, Evora is a great place to explore on foot. The old town is compact and most of the sights are close together. However, comfortable shoes are advisable as some of the streets are cobbled and there are slight inclines.
Where is the best place to enjoy regional cuisine?
In the old town you will find many restaurants that offer local specialties. Small, rustic restaurants that serve traditional dishes such as “Açorda” or “Migas” are particularly recommended. These are often family-run and offer authentic Alentejo cuisine.
Are there viewpoints in Evora?
Yes, the tower of Evora Cathedral offers excellent views over the city and the surrounding Alentejo countryside. You can also get a beautiful view over the city and the surrounding area from the site of the Roman Temple.
Is it worth visiting the University of Evora?
Yes, the University of Evora is one of the oldest in Portugal and has a quiet, beautiful courtyard where you can take a break and enjoy the historic atmosphere. The university is an interesting contrast to the old religious and Roman buildings of the city.
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Do you know this?
- Evora Portugal Sights you shouldn't miss
- Evora - UNESCO World Heritage in the Alentejo
- The best hotels in Evora Portugal: luxury, budget and everything in between
- Comporta: Portugal's hidden paradise
- Best Hotels in Comporta, Portugal - Your Guide
- Comporta vacation: Everything for your optimal travel planning
- Porto Covo Portugal: An insider tip in the Alentejo for slow travellers
- Combine camping and sightseeing in Porto Covo
- Discover your perfect accommodation in Porto Covo Portugal
- Vila Nova de Milfontes Portugal: Your Ultimate Guide
- Enjoy beautiful cities in Austria
- Play golf in Tenerife south
- Massachusetts attractions: a must for every visitor
Other Slow Travel Tips you can find it here, for example. Cities in Portugal you can also discover here.
Source Evora Guide: own research on site. We were invited on this trip by Aptece, Visit Alentejo and the Rota do Peixe. However, our opinion remains our own.
Text Evora Guide: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
